SAP Business One vs Oracle NetSuite

  • 19 July 2019
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As your business embarks on the journey of growth, it is inevitable to encounter the realization of how your existing software solution falls short in meeting your expanding needs. At such a pivotal moment, exploring the realm of ERP software becomes imperative.

A robust ERP solution can propel your business forward. However, in pursuit of one, you enter a realm of diverse possibilities with multiple choices that makes the selection of the ideal ERP software a critical decision that warrants careful consideration.

Selecting a fitting ERP solution for your business’ growth can be an incredibly daunting task, especially when there are a multitude of options available at your disposal. Considering the present scenarios, SAP Business One and Oracle NetSuite stand out as top contenders with comprehensive “all-in-one” ERP solutions. Both SAP and Oracle ERP systems cater to the needs of SMBs and MMEs with a strong focus on rapid growth. While both are viable solutions, it is crucial to understand the significant difference between Oracle and SAP ERP systems to make an informed decision.

With the aim of empowering your business’ upward trajectory, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the key differences and contrasting features of SAP Business One and Oracle NetSuite. The SAP vs Oracle comparison is crucial for making decisions, and going through this will empower you to make a well-informed choice that aligns perfectly with your unique business requirements. Let’s begin.

  1. Business Management Software: SAP vs Oracle

Modern business operations are an intricate web of diverse processes. Attempting to isolate one function from another can give rise to numerous challenges along the way. For instance, streamlining accounting processes requires a holistic analysis of financials and inventory operations. The power of a unified ERP platform becomes invaluable here. Such platforms offer the ability to evaluate and optimize all processes effectively.

In the context of the Oracle ERP vs SAP ERP comparative analysis, the primary distinction between Business One and NetSuite lies in the structure.

SAP Business One presents a plethora of modules that are particularly dedicated to managing and controlling various facets of business operations like Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Opportunities, Purchasing, Sales, Inventory, Resources, Financials, and Project Management.

Oracle NetSuite, on the other hand, offers three separate customized platforms for CRM, eCommerce, and Financials/ERP. Oracle ERP systems make individual evaluation of business objectives an imperative task. Although it allows individual focus on each objective, such differentiation can lead to confusion and complexities in managing integrated operations for SMEs.

  1. Deployment Model and Update Release Cadence: Oracle vs SAP

The deployment model and update release cadence are two critical aspects of every ERP solution that must be considered for thorough evaluation before investing in the platform. In the context of the ongoing SAP vs Oracle comparison, the difference between Oracle and SAP deployment models and updating methods is significant.

SAP Business One offers the choice of hybrid deployment which allows customers to choose between on-premise and cloud-based solutions. Such flexibility appeals to customers seeking long-term migration paths from on-premise to the cloud, as you can either have SAP host your application or choose a SAP partner for the same. Additionally, SAP Business One follows a structured release cycle with regular updates and enhancements, while allowing customers to plan and prepare for updates to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to operations.

Oracle NetSuite, on the other hand, is deployed exclusively in the cloud with Oracle managing the application along with your data in their data centers. Businesses with a stable internet connectivity can easily access their applications through web browsers, thus finding Oracle ERP systems a convenient and comprehensive ERP solution. However, NetSuite follows a bi-annual release cycle and offers a limited control over software updates unless one opts for the premium tiers.

  1. Licensing: SAP vs Oracle

Understanding the licensing models and associated costs is an essential step in evaluating ERP solutions. In the realm of ERP licensing, SAP Business One and Oracle NetSuite present quite contrasting approaches for business. Furthermore, in the context of the ongoing Oracle ERP vs SAP ERP comparison, their payment terms may also differ, posing potential challenges for SMEs that seek clarity and ease in their financial and licensing arrangements.

SAP Business One stands out for its user-based licensing approach that comes along with dedicated support provided by authorized SAP partners. It employs an authorized reseller model that allows businesses to obtain licenses exclusively through certified partners. Various licensing options are made available to customers tailored to the size and scale of each company, thus providing incredible flexibility and cost-effectiveness along with a more streamlined licensing experience.

Oracle NetSuite, on the other hand, offers licensing options through both NetSuite sales representatives and resellers. Although this approach offers some flexibility in the context of license acquisition, the difference between Oracle and SAP is that the complete NetSuite licensing model can be comparatively complex and less flexible, leading to potentially higher costs and lack of the licensing structure’s alignment with financial capacities.

  1. System Integration and Customization: Oracle vs SAP

Businesses require standard functionalities that meet their needs, especially the smaller ones with straightforward processes. However, some companies with unique workflows and specific requirements make customization abilities a necessity in the ERP solutions they leverage. Additionally, the need for integration with other applications might also arise to enhance the overall efficiency. Let’s elaborate this in context of the SAP vs Oracle comparison.

SAP Business One provides an ecosystem of certified add-on solutions that cater to industry-specific needs along with customizable functionalities through tools like Boyum B1 Usability Package or the Software Developer Kit (SDK). It offers the flexibility to extend ERP solutions or integrate with incredible applications, ensuring a tailored solution for your specific business requirements.

Oracle NetSuite, on the other hand, offers a modular approach that allows users to add advanced functionalities through a suite of modules. Additionally, the SuiteApp ecosystem offers integration options to extend functionalities along with Oracle ERP systems NetSuite partners enabling further customization of the system using scripts, custom extensions, and integrations through the SuiteCloud Platform.

A Midway!

Both SAP Business One and Oracle NetSuite offer robust ERP solutions for businesses of varying sizes yet differ from each other significantly. Understanding the differences of SAP on Oracle and thoroughly evaluating the SAP vs Oracle comparison can help you select the right platform that aligns well with your business needs and growth objectives.

The comparison chart helps us to gauge which ERP- SAP Business One or Oracle will fulfill your mission-critical needs.  

Comparison Parameters SAP Business One ERP Oracle ERP
Best Suited for Offers tailored solutions to leading industries. The industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing, financial services, and retail. Cater 18+ industries which comprise Chemical, Dairy, Pharma, Packaging, Jewelry, Logistics, Manufacturing and more.
Ease of use Same Same
Ease of set up Easy to deploy Easy to deploy
Fit for small business Specially designed for SMEs Generally catered to large enterprises
User Satisfaction 99% 99%
Pricing Both options are available. Cloud based as well as on-premise. For a cloud-based solution, you pay a monthly subscription fee for each user login. When it comes to on-premise deployment, you pay a license fee for each user login. Both options are available. Cloud based as well as on-premise. For a cloud-based solution, you pay an annual subscription fee for each user login.While for on-premise deployment, you pay a license fee for each user login. 
Contractual term For on-premise, SAP requires signing a perpetual license agreement. While, on-cloud options require no contract as such. For both on-cloud and on-premise, Oracle requires signing a perpetual license agreement.
Maintenance Costs Fees are applicable for maintenance and premium support. Fees are applicable for maintenance and support.
Customization Customers generally realize more of their expected functionality and business benefits from SAP Business One ERP than Oracle ERP.  Customization is possible but it may take some more time than SAP Business One ERP

Let’s Discuss Further!

Unlike Oracle NetSuite, SAP Business One offers a wide variety of packages with transparent prices. Your business can easily find the right SAP Business package that meets all of your needs at a price you can afford.

To know our secret recipe of how Uneecops is helping its’ clients in making a right choice of ERP exclusively for your business requirements, let’s take this discussion further and understand each other in better way! Feel free to visit our Customer Success Stories around ERP stating how we have helped SMEs in transforming their digital journey!


Nidhi Batra

About the author

Nidhi Batra is a marketing and brand communication professional with 10 years of experience working in the dynamic B2B marketing environment. She strategizes, writes, reviews a variety of content for demand generation and sales support activities. Having a Master’s in English from Delhi University, she knows how to navigate her readers on insightful journeys with her SAP published blogs and thought leadership content.